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VALPO Magazine : Web Exclusives : Fundraising for ‘Our Valpo, Our Time’ Advances

Fundraising for ‘Our Valpo, Our Time’ Advances

The largest campaign in the history of Valparaiso University exceeds 70 percent of goal thanks to generous gifts from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations.

The university announced the $200 million “Our Valpo, Our Time, 150th Anniversary Initiative” last June, and strong fundraising response continues for the following campaign priorities:

  • capital projects including a new campus union, and enhancements to College of Engineering facilities;
  • scholarships for students and support for faculty through the VU endowment; and 
  • ongoing academic programs and student services through the VALPOfund.

Construction is ongoing for the 202,000-square-foot union, which serves as a central location for students to dine, develop leadership, teamwork and social skills, and interact with faculty and staff. Scheduled to open in 2009, the union under­scores the sense of community in edu­cation that distinguishes Valpo.

Main features include space for the more than 100 student organizations on campus; an international and multi­cultural suite; a large dining hall; a banquet/multipurpose room; and a bookstore. Watch the union being built and view drawings and floor plans at valpo.edu/construction/union.

In another key capital project, fundrais­ing continues for an addition to the south side of Gellersen Center, home of the College of Engineering. The flexible space provides needed room for senior design projects; multidisciplinary design projects for all class levels; regional and national design competitions; and other projects. An endowment for building maintenance and upgrades also is sought.

Fundraising now is complete for athletics facilities—also targeted in the “Our Valpo” initiative—including a new 12-court tennis complex, cardio-fitness center, and projects associated with the football/all-purpose field such as a new synthetic turf, lighting and scoreboard. Work on the field is expected to be finished in time for the start of the fall semester. Funding for a new track will be sought at a later date.

Another top priority of “Our Valpo” is the endowment. Interest gleaned from the endowment provides dollars for student scholarships and faculty work. It also funds programs related to Valpo’s Lutheran heritage, international study programs, and improvements to the physical environment of campus.

Join this historic fundraising effort by calling 800.803.7184, ext. 42, or send an e-mail to lori.babcock@valpo.edu. Read more at valpo.edu/givetovu.

Don Fites ‘56 and Connie (Busse ‘56) Ashline chair the “Our Valpo, Our Time, 150th Anniversary Initiative.” Read more about Fites and Ashline on Page 48 and on the back cover of VALPO magazine.

Valparaiso University, Institutional Advancement, Office of Communications